3 Slain Florida High School Students Awarded Army Medals

FORT KNOX, KY — The U.S. Army has presented two awards for heroism and plans to present a third on Saturday to fallen Marjory Stoneman Douglas students who performed acts of heroism when their school came under attack by a gunman with an assault rifle last week. Officials said their bravery rose to an exceptional level in the face of great danger. At least two other JROTC cadets are being considered for similar honors.

The Department of the Army approved the Medal of Heroism in the case of the three students. The award is given to JROTC cadets who perform acts of heroism "so exceptional and outstanding that it clearly sets the individual apart from fellow students or from other persons in similar circumstances," an Army spokesman told Patch. "The performance must have involved the acceptance of danger and extraordinary responsibilities, exemplifying praiseworthy fortitude and courage."

The first award was presented to the family of Alaina Petty at her funeral service on Monday. The second was presented to the family of Peter Wang on Tuesday at his service.

Wang's family requested that he be buried in his JROTC uniform, which was to display the JROTC Heroism medal. A second "keepsake" medal was given to Wang's family.

The third medal will be presented to the family of Martin Duque on Saturday during his service.

The casket of Alaina Petty, a victim of Wednesday's mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, leaves her funeral in Coral Springs, Florida on Monday. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)